What would you do if evil robots took over the world? Build giant robots of your own to fight back, utilizing obscure slot machine technology to select your armies, attacks and buffs? If you answered yes to that, then Robotek is the game for you. Heck, even if you answered “no,” you’ll probably still enjoy it.

Robotek is a strategy game by stealth; you build units, choose whether to attack or defend and protect your own power source from your opponents attacks. The game is turn-based, and at the start of your turn you choose one of three types of action â€“ build, attack and hack. Once you’ve chosen your desired action, you spin the wheel and the game randomly assigns you three actions of that type.

For example, if you chose to attack your opponent, you might end up with a laser shot, a microwave charge and an electrical burst. If you’re lucky, your spin might land on three of the same symbols. Not only does that unleash a hyper powered version of the attack, buff or unit, it also lets you spin the wheels again, allowing for more carnage.

Robotek has a look all of its own, and it’s one that deserves special praise â€“ the game is beautiful. From the menus to the world map where you choose your next mission, from the delicious bursts of light when you destroy an opponent to the simple symbols that show what actions you can perform, everything about the game is a visual delight. The sound too is remarkable â€“ Robotek is clearly a labor of love by some hugely talented individuals.

Some might not like the in-app purchase system that the game uses â€“ it’s perfectly possible to finish the game without spending a penny, but the purchases give you a better chance, as well as opening up the multiplayer component of the game. That’s a minor grumble though, because this is a game that’s more than worth paying for.

Robotek is a wonderful little title, that really shows off the creativity and innovation of the team behind it. It finds the perfect balance between action and strategy, presents itself in a unique and breathtaking way and, perhaps more importantly, is a barrel load of fun. Hexage and Robotek have set the bar, it’s now up to the rest of the developers on the Android Market to try and catch up.